Our Leadership

Our global team of over 100 people is led by an elite group of distinguished former news executives, White House and Downing Street advisors, entertainment industry executives and experts in international affairs.

John Watts

Managing Partner

John Watts joined BLJ London as Managing Partner in 2014 after seven years as Chief Executive of BLJ Worldwide’s Asia and Middle East offices.

Prior to joining BLJ, John was Special Adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair. During his time in 10 Downing Street, John experienced working closely with world leaders and public figures at the very highest levels of government and business.

As a key member of Tony Blair’s team, John was responsible for organising the Prime Minister’s external presentations at government events, public meetings and visits within the UK.

Many events achieved global coverage including the G8 Summit at Gleneagles attended by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir Putin, the historic conclusion of devolution to Northern Ireland in June 2007 and the former Prime Minister’s involvement in the successful London 2012 Olympic bid.

Before working at Number 10, John was Director of Conferences and Events for the Labour Party. Responsible for the presentation of the party’s 2005 general election campaign, he was also charged with organising Europe’s largest annual political convention.

John has travelled extensively across the Middle East. He studied Arabic and Middle East Affairs at Birzeit University in Palestine as well as in the Sultanate of Oman.